© 2016 Nelson Stud Welding, Inc.
Page 3
All Rights Reserved.
January 2016
Part No. 729-110-043 Rev. 1.02
WARNING
The following Safety section is for
your protection. It summarizes
precautionary information from
the references listed in the
Additional Safety Information section. Before performing any
installation or operating procedures, be sure to read and follow the
safety precautions listed below as well as all other manuals, material
safety data sheets, labels, etc. Failure to observe these precautions
can result in injury or death.
ELECTRICAL SHOCK
Contact with live electrical parts and ground
can cause severe injury or death. DO NOT use
welding current in damp areas, if movement is
confined, or if there is danger of falling.
Therefore:
1.
Be sure the power source frame (chassis) is connected to the
ground system of the input power.
2.
Connect the work piece to a good electrical ground.
3.
Connect the work cable to the work piece. A poor or missing
connection can expose you or others to a fatal shock.
4.
Use well-maintained equipment. Replace worn or damaged
cables..
5.
Keep everything dry, including clothing, work area, cables,
torch/electrode holder and power source.
6.
Make sure that all parts of your body are insulated from work
and from the ground.
7.
Do not stand directly on metal or the earth while working in tight
quarters or a damp area; stand on dry boards or an insulating
platform and wear rubbersoled shoes.
8.
Put on dry, hole-free gloves before turning on the power.
9.
Refer to ANSI/ASC Standard Z49.1 for specific grounding
recommendations. Do not mistake the work lead for a ground
cable.
PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS
Some welding, cutting, and gouging processes
are noisy and require ear protection. The arc,
like the sun, emits ultraviolet (UV) rays and
other radiation which can harm the skin and
eyes. Hot metal can cause burns. Training in
the proper use of the processes and equipment is essential to
prevent accidents. Therefore:
1.
Always wear safety glasses with side shields in any work area,
even if welding helmets, face shields and goggles are also
required.
2.
Use a face shield fitted with filter shade #3 per ANSI Z87.1.
Cover sparks and rays of the arc when operating or observing
operations. Warn bystanders not to watch the arc and not to
expose themselves to the rays of the electric-arc or hot metal.
3.
Wear flameproof gauntlet type gloves, heavy long-sleeve shirt,
cuffless trousers, high topped shoes, and a welding helmet or
cap for hair protection, to protect against arc rays and hot
sparks or hot metal. A flameproof apron may also be desirable
as protection against radiated heat and sparks.
4.
Hot sparks or metal can lodge in rolled up sleeves, trousers cuffs
or pockets. Sleeves and collars should be kept buttoned, and
open pockets eliminated from the front of clothing.
5.
Protect other personnel from arc rays and hot sparks with
suitable nonflammable partitions or curtains.
6.
Use goggles over safety glasses when chipping slag or grinding.
Chipped slag may be hot and can fly far. Bystanders should also
wear goggles over safety glasses.
ELECTRICAL AND MAGNETIC FIELDS
Electric
and
magnetic
fields
may
be
dangerous. Electric current flowing through
any conductor causes localized Electric and
Magnetic Fields (EMF). Welding and cutting
current creates EMF around welding cables
and welding machines. Therefore:
1.
Operators having pacemakers should consult their physician
before welding. EMF may interfere with some pacemakers.
2.
Exposure to EMF may have other health effects which are
unknown.
3.
Operators should use the following procedures to minimize
exposure to EMF:
4.
Route the electrode and work cables together. Secure them
with tape when possible.
5.
Never coil the torch or work cable around your body.
6.
Do not place your body between the torch and work cables.
Route cables on the same side of your body.
7.
Connect the work cable to the work piece as close as possible to
the area being welded.
8.
Keep welding power source and cables as far away from your
body as possible.
FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS
Heat from flames and arcs can start fires. Hot
slag or sparks can also cause fires and
explosions. Therefore:
1.
Remove all combustible materials well away from the work area
or cover the materials with a protective nonflammable covering.
Combustible materials include wood, cloth, sawdust, liquid and
gas fuels, solvents, paints and coatings, paper, etc.
2.
Hot sparks or hot metal can fall through cracks or crevices in
floors or wall openings and cause a hidden smoldering fire or
fires on the floor below. Make certain that such openings are
protected from hot sparks and metal.
3.
Do not weld, cut, or perform other hot work until the work piece
has been completely cleaned so that there are no substances on
the work piece which might produce flammable or toxic vapors.
Do not do hot work on closed containers. They may explode.
4.
Have appropriate fire extinguishing equipment handy for instant
use, such as a garden hose, water pail, sand bucket or portable
fire extinguisher. Be sure you are trained for proper use.
5.
Do not use equipment beyond its ratings. For example,
overloaded welding cable can overheat and create a fire hazard.
6.
After completing operations, inspect the work area to make
certain there are no hot sparks or hot metal which could cause a
later fire. Use fire watchers when necessary.
7.
For additional information, refer to NFPA Standard 51B, “Fire
Prevention in Use of Cutting and Welding Processes,” available
from the National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch
Park, Quincy, MA 02269
FUMES AND GASES
Fumes and gases can cause discomfort or
harm, particularly in confined spaces. Do not
breathe fumes and gases. Shielding gases can
cause asphyxiation. Therefore:
1.
Always provide adequate ventilation in the work area by natural
or mechanical means. Do not weld, cut, or gouge on materials
such as galvanized steel, stainless steel, copper, zinc, lead,
beryllium, or cadmium unless positive mechanical ventilation is
provided. Do not breathe fumes from these materials.
2.
Do not operate near degreasing and spraying operations. The
heat or arc rays can react with chlorinated hydrocarbon vapors
to form phosgene, a highly toxic gas, and other irritant gasses.
3.
If you develop momentary eye, nose, or throat irritation while
operating, this is an indication that ventilation is not adequate.
Stop work and take necessary steps to improve ventilation in the
work areas. Do not continue to operate if physical discomfort
persists.
4.
Refer to ANSI/ASC Standard Z49.1 (see listing on next page) for
specific ventilation recommendations.
